Matthew Guy must resign over the Ventnor scandal: James Merlino, Deputy Premier

MELBOURNE, 4 September: Deputy Premier, James Merlino has said Liberal Leader and Leader of Opposition, Matthew Guy “must resign and pay back millions of dollars, following revelations he used $3.5 million of taxpayers’ money to avoid having to face a judge and explain his role in the Ventnor scandal, admitting that he would lose his job if he did.”

A media release from the Deputy Premier’s office says, “In documents tabled in Parliament, Matthew Guy told his lawyers: “This can’t go to court. I shall not be in the job if it goes to court.” Matthew Guy, 19 July 2013.

That is despite expert legal advice making it clear that the Government would have won the case if it had gone to court: “This may be winnable at law, but this is a political fight and it is unwinnable.” Matthew Guy, 19 July 2013.”

James Merlino says, “Matthew Guy has used taxpayers’ money as a ransom to avoid going under oath and revealing exactly what happened around the Ventnor kitchen table.”

“Matthew Guy’s behavior is potentially criminal – he should resign and pay back this money immediately.”

“It’s time Matthew Guy kept to the standard he demands of others. Liberal frontbenchers Michael O’Brien, Robert Clark, and John Pesutto must also come clean on what they knew about this fraudulent use of taxpayers’ money,” the Deputy Premier says.